Acclaimed marketing maven and passionate food blogger Iquo Ukoh officially unveiled her enticing new cookbook, Memories On A Platter: My Journey with Nigerian Food, during an unforgettable event at Lagos’ renowned Eko Hotel & Suites. The esteemed Commissioner for Education, Lagos State, Hon. Folasade Adefisayo, graced the book’s launch last December. The unique recipes within Ukoh’s book paint a vivid picture of Nigeria’s rich culinary tapestry. They delve deep into the country’s food culture, focusing on the intrinsic flavours and ingredients that define Nigerian cuisine. Ukoh’s work serves as an essential testament to the significance of safeguarding Nigeria’s identity through its culinary heritage.
L – R . Folasade Adefisayo, Former Commissioner for Education, Lagos State; Iquo Ukoh, Author, Memories On A Platter; Prof Joseph Ezigbo, Managing Director, Falcon Corporation Ltd; Mr Thomas Osobu, Chairman Jott Ltd; Mrs Audrey Joe -Ezigbo, Deputy Managing Director, Falcon Corporation Ltd, and Mr Udoyo Ukoh, Managing Director, Kambil Plastics Ltd during the launch of Memories On A Platter in Lagos.
The event did more than launch a cookbook; it sparked important conversations. A panel, composed of illustrious culinary and industry pioneers such as Chef Michael Elegbede of Itan Kitchen, Uzo Orimolade of UzozsFoodLabs, and Toyin Onibanjo, the dynamic CEO of August Secrets Limited, ignited discussions on topics from cherished food memories to climate change’s impact on small-scale farming. The panel was masterfully steered by the Creative Director of Afrolems, Atim Ukoh, who provided rich insights on food production. Following a successful launch in Toronto, Memories On A Platter was introduced to a welcoming audience in North America. Attendees savoured a curated array of authentic Nigerian dishes, each a vivid expression of the colours, textures, and intricate flavours that form the backbone of Nigerian cuisine. The event offered guests a sensory journey through Nigeria’s culinary history.
Guests were privy to an exclusive sneak peek into the creation of Memories On A Platter. They feasted on traditional Nigerian staples such as Ridi Chin Chin, Garri and Groundnut, Jollof rice, Dodo, Eba, Edesi Isip (Coconut Rice), Egusi soup, and the refreshing Chapman drink. In true Ukoh fashion, attendees were transported on a nostalgic voyage, revisiting Nigeria’s rich culinary past’s intoxicating sights, sounds, and tastes.
“Africa’s culinary narrative has often missed documenting our diverse cooking techniques, regional specialities, and flavours. I aimed to fill this void and share Nigeria’s gastronomic story with the world,” said Ukoh. The event sparked heartfelt conversations about the challenges of living in the diaspora, from sourcing native Nigerian ingredients to the necessary alterations to recipes when recreating Nigerian staples overseas.
Ukoh’s Memories On A Platter serves as a delightful mélange of cultural anecdotes, tantalising flavours, and breathtaking food photography. While the book is steeped in nostalgic recollections from Ukoh’s childhood, it also charts the evolution of Nigerian cuisine from the 1960s to the present day. With over 130 recipes, Memories On A Platter is now available on Amazon, Book Nook, and Roving Heights. For more information, visit www.IquoUkoh.com.
Early reviews have lauded the cookbook. Food writer and chef Tunde Wey said, “Iquo Ukoh’s work rejects the irony of provincialism in a country with 250 ethnic groups. She introduces us to forgotten ingredients and techniques from our peripheral kitchens and inspires us to evolve our cuisine, fusing the old with the new, to truly represent Nigeria.”
About Iquo Ukoh:
Iquo Ukoh, a renowned marketing and branding authority hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, wears many hats – she is a noted author, nutritionist, dietitian, and podcaster. She has represented some of the world’s most prominent consumer brands and put West African cuisine on the world’s gastronomic map via her food blog, 1Q Food Platter. Her latest creation, Memories On A Platter, narrates Nigeria’s rich culinary journey, brilliantly documenting the complexities of its textures, colours, and flavours. Iquo delights in preserving Nigeria’s identity through its gastronomy and sharing captivating stories and visuals. She inspires global food enthusiasts to understand Nigeria’s unique relationship with food and encourages readers to explore and experiment with African flavours in their kitchens.
